Knowing the signs of worn brake pads is vital for almost any driver because continuous driving with worn pads may cause harm to other the different parts of the brake systems and the vehicle. So what are the signs of worn brake pads? Keep reading to discover more.
Brake warning light
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Most cars have a brake warning light on the dashboard. When this light turns on, it’s an indication that something is wrong with the brake pads and you will need to create an appointment along with your mechanic the moment possible.
Pungent smell
If you notice your tires are emitting a pungent smell after driving for some time, this is a sign that the brake pads are worn out and need replacement. Continuing to operate a vehicle under these circumstances can be extremely dangerous. It is preferred that you make regular stopovers each time you detect the smell until you’re able to a place where your brake pads may be inspected.
Vibrations
One common sign that the brake system isn’t functioning normally may be the vibration of the steering wheel. They can also be felt on the brake pedal and they’re as a result of the rotor and the caliper grinding against each other.
Malfunction of the brake pedal
This sign of a worn brake systems doesn’t occur that usually, but if you learn that you have to utilize extra pressure on the brake pedal to be able to stop or slow the car, you need to have your brake pedals changed the moment possible. This is because there is a likelihood that the brake pedal will end up functionless because of the continuous application of force on the pedal.
How to Protect your Brake Pads
If you are driving an old or new vehicle, it is essential to safeguard your brake pads to avoid damaging the rest of one’s vehicle. You can boost the life span of one’s brake system by;
·Emptying the trunk
All of us keep un-necessary stuff in our trunks and the overloading causes the brakes to strain. Removing stuff that you do not need will help increase the life span of one’s brake pads.
·Aggressive Driving Habits
If you want your brake pads to last longer, you will need to quit aggressive driving habits such as for instance sudden breaking that cause excessive heating to the wheels and rotors.
·Speed Limits
Observing the speed limits for every given road is one tested and proven way to steadfastly keep up your brake system in good condition. The reason being when you’re within the speed limit, you may have enough time and energy to decelerate making the friction involving the caliper and the brake pads minimal.
How do I know when my brake pads need changing?
The most frequent means of knowing when your brake pad needs changing is by looking and listening. You appear by inspecting the brake pads through the wheels for almost any signs of wear and tear in addition to the thickness levels. If the brake pad looks thin then it needs to be replaced.
One other method is listening for almost any screeching sounds produced each time you press down on the brakes. If you hear the high-pitched sound often, it is preferred that you take your vehicle to a mechanic for a check-up and repair if need be.
Is it hard to replace brake pads?
Replacing brake pads isn’t as hard since many people think. Actually, you can do it all on your own without assistance from a mechanic. All you need is to get the following simple tools
- Jack
- Tire Iron
- C-clamp
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
The first step in changing your own brake pads is raising the car using the jack to be able to have the ability to easily access the rotors in addition to the brake pads. You must ensure that you’re parked in an even ground before raising the car.
Once the car is raised, proceed to remove the wheels using the tire iron and you will have the ability to see the brake pad. Make use of a wrench to remove the bolts that hold the caliper in place. When the caliper is from the way, you can proceed to remove the brake pads.
If the rotor is damaged, you should think about replacing it alongside the brake pads. This can be achieved by applying grease on the rotors and employing a screwdriver to create them loose. Before placing the new rotors, make certain that you clean the outer lining with brake cleaner to eliminate any residuals.
After the new rotors come in place, you can proceed to replace the brake pads and put the wheel in its place and you’re good to go. It is preferred that you add apart about three hours to get the complete job done. Of course, you can change in the pads in a shorter duration of time but you wish to give each component full attention. If you feel that involves lots of work, you can always ask your mechanic to help.
Can worn brake pads cause damage?
Worn brake pads may cause lots of harm to other the different parts of the vehicle which might make repairs to be much more expensive. A few of the components that are influenced by worn brakes include;
·Rotors
Rotors are the first to have the impact of worn brakes. The reason being when the brake pad and shoe aren’t in a position to effectively stop the car whenever you step on the brakes, the pressure is transferred to the rotors. Over time, the rotors become cracked and replacing them can be extremely costly.
·Calipers
Calipers are an essential component of the brake system as they serve for connecting the rotor and the brake pad. Whenever you press down on the brakes, the calipers transmit the pressure to the rotors to reduce the rotating frequency of the wheel. If the brake pads are worn out, there is no buffer involving the caliber and the rotors which leaves the two metals grinding against each other.
·Suspension system
The suspension system is in charge of cushioning critical car components from the force of bumping due to hitting potholes or riding over a lump at high speed. Worn out brakes can impact the suspension system over time by making it misaligned. For this reason it is preferred that you replace brake pads regularly to prevent the damage of other critical the different parts of the vehicle.
·Wheels
When the braking system isn’t functioning well, the wheels are affected because the car doesn’t stop since it should. Or even corrected, this could cause the deteriorating of rubber on the wheels requiring you to obtain a new group of wheels.
How to check brake pads
Knowing the status of one’s brake pads is vital when you count on their functionality everytime you press down on the brakes. Checking the thickness of one’s brake pads in addition to any signs of wear and tear is one of many steps of guaranteeing a secure journey for the occupants of the car. But how have you any idea how to check brake pads? Worry much less checking the status of one’s brakes is very simple. Just follow these easy methods.
·Inspect the wheels
Ensure that you haven’t used your vehicle for 30 minutes before commencing the inspection. The reason being the brakes become very hot whenever you used even for a quick distance. Continue steadily to inspect the brake pads without removing the wheel. If you notice that there is no build-up of dust on the brake pads, this is a sign that you need to visit the mechanic for a more professional diagnosis.
A worn out brake pad may also look thin when observed through the spaces on the wheels. If you can’t notice it well, consider getting a torch for a much better view. If it seems thin with any signs of wear, it is all about time that you had it replaced.
If you can’t see the brake pad well with the wheel set up, consider employing a jack to remove it to obtain a closer look. This method is very efficient as you’re able to inspect the brake pad in addition to brake lines and caliper. Any signs of wear and tear on any of these components are an indication your brake pads are worn out and need a replacement.
·Dashboard Light
Some vehicles have a warning light on the dashboard that turns on when the brake pads need replacement. Browse the manufacturer’s manual to ascertain if your car or truck has that light to ensure that you can be looking for the indication your brake pads must be replaced.
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Experiencing Any of the Braking Symptoms?
Perhaps you have experienced the signs highlighted above? If yes, there is a likelihood that your vehicle has braking problems. A close inspection of the brake pads through the wheels should enable you to make a conclusion on the status of the brake pads. It’s also advisable to consider visiting the mechanical so he can have a look at the braking system.
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